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[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Beneath It All" by Trace Clevinger.]

4 out of 4 stars
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Why on earth would anyone want to kidnap and kill a harmless young marine biologist who works in an aquarium? I don’t know, perhaps because so many times there’s more to a story than meets the eye? Author Trace Clevinger tells an interesting, action-packed story in this short adventure novel titled Beneath It All.

Fresh out of the university with a spanking new degree in marine biology, Maverick is eager to start his new job at the aquarium in Fort Fisher, caring for sharks and alligators. However, the aquarium is not his only reason for choosing to live near the ocean. Legend has it that the ruins of a treasure-laden ship belonging to the famous pirate Blackbeard lie on the ocean floor at Frying Pan Shoals, just off the coast. Over the years, several people have tried to find this ship without success, or so it seems. Maverick intends to go on an adventurous search of this ship. He gets an adventure far beyond his expectations and is forced to think about his life choices.

My favorite thing about this book is that it definitely does not beat about the bush. The author sticks to the storyline and consistently delivers chapter after chapter of fun and adventure. He also includes a generous dose of suspense. However, as much as I loved the conciseness of this story, I couldn’t help but feel it was a little rushed. Maybe that’s because I didn’t want it to end, anyway. This is one book that would definitely appeal to the book’s intended audience; young adults. I therefore willingly recommend it to every young, adventure loving adult.

This is an adventure novel that doesn’t entirely throw safety out the window. While the protagonist engages in daring acts of courage from time to time, he also remembers to not only stay safe, but to ensure the safety of others. There’s more. The character development in this book is great. In the beginning, the author gives a sneak peek into the protagonist’s childhood. As the story progresses, it is amazing just how much the protagonist matures, while still retaining important childhood character traits. Secondary characters in this story are equally well developed. The story moves at a steady pace and doesn’t get confusing at any point.

This book deserves all 4 out of 4 stars and gets it. I didn’t find a single grammar error. My only disappointment was that the table of contents mentions a bonus short story at the end of the book, but this short story was not included in the book I received. I am definitely interested in reading more from this author.

Oh, you have definitely grabbed me with your review. I want to find out what happened to Maverick that he had to reevaluate his choices.... A sunken treasure mystery sounds perfect after the academic book I just reviewed. I will look into this one. You are a really beautiful writer and I enjoyed your review very much.

Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.-Scott Adams

Oh, you have definitely grabbed me with your review. I want to find out what happened to Maverick that he had to reevaluate his choices.... A sunken treasure mystery sounds perfect after the academic book I just reviewed. I will look into this one. You are a really beautiful writer and I enjoyed your review very much.

Thank you for your beautiful words. I’m so glad you enjoyed the review and decided to leave this lovely comment.